This is the highest recognition awarded by the ANCC’s Accreditation Program. Billings Clinic is one of just two health care systems in Montana to earn this distinction and one of 30 ANCC accredited programs in the United States. This designation will help to continue to recruit and retain high caliber nurses at Billings Clinic and validates that the program meets and exceeds evidence-based quality standards.

“We are proud that the Billings Clinic Nurse Residency Program is recognized by ANCC as one of the highest-quality transition programs for nurses,” said Laurie Smith, RN, Billings Clinic Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Hospital Operations. “ANCC accreditation gives our nurse residents assurance that Billings Clinic offers an elevated transition program with a clear course of instruction and reliable evaluation methods. With ANCC Accreditation with Distinction, our transitioning nurses gain the skills and confidence needed to perform effectively within a new practice setting.”

About Billings ClinicBillings Clinic is Montana’s largest health system, serving Montana, Wyoming, and the western Dakotas. A not-for-profit organization led by a physician CEO, Billings Clinic is governed by a board of community members, nurses, and physicians. At its core, Billings Clinic is a physician-led, integrated multispecialty group practice with a 304-bed hospital and Level II trauma center. Billings Clinic has approximately 4,200 employees, including 440 physicians and advanced practitioners offering more than 50 specialties. Billings Clinic is the first Magnet-designated health care organization in Montana and a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. More information can be found at www.billingsclinic.com.

About ANCC The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association (ANA), provides individuals and organizations throughout the nursing profession with the resources they need to achieve practice excellence. ANCC's internationally renowned credentialing programs certify nurses in specialty practice areas; recognize healthcare organizations for promoting safe, positive work environments; and accredit providers and approvers of continuing nursing education. In addition, ANCC provides leading-edge information and education services and products to support its core credentialing programs. For more information, visit http://www.nursecredentialing.org.